(Aachen / Germany) – The range of electrolyzers is developing dynamically: While our last overview in 2022 focused primarily on pilot and demonstration plants, the market is now significantly more project-driven. Particularly in the megawatt and multi-megawatt range, industrial applications are currently the focus – for example, for power-to-X, steel and chemical projects (such as ammonia), or large hydrogen hubs.
The This year's market overview The international suppliers are structured according to performance classes, listed in four tables (as of March). It is consistently geared towards typical customer inquiries and consulting projects: Those looking for an electrolyzer generally think in terms of clearly defined size classes.
This is how they read the tables
The overview is divided into the following performance categories:
If a supplier's data sheet only specified the production quantity in "Nm³ H₂" per hour, we converted this to a nominal electrical output of "5 kWh per Nm³" of hydrogen in order to make it comparable within the performance classes.
Each table contains the following columns:
- Production
- Type
- Methods (AEL, PEM, SOEC etc.)
- Rated capacity
- Link to the manufacturer's product page
This year's survey includes a significantly larger number of international suppliers than in 2022. In addition to established European manufacturers, companies from China, the USA, and the Middle East are increasingly represented. Vertically integrated photovoltaic and energy technology companies are also now offering their own electrolysis systems.
Large-scale projects dominate the market
A striking feature is the significant shift towards large-scale projects: Many manufacturers now primarily operate in project-based business and no longer market standardized "catalog products" in the traditional sense. Electrolyzers are particularly common in the segment exceeding 10 megawatts.
- configured as project-specific systems
- modularly grouped into clusters of 100 megawatts or gigawatts
- only offered within the framework of EPC or turnkey projects
This means that the pure type designation is sometimes less relevant than before. Containerization, module size, and scaling concept are more crucial.
Consolidation in the small performance sector
While systems still exist in the "1 to 100 kW" and "100 to 1.000 kW" categories, some suppliers have disappeared from the market or been acquired. Others are now focusing on research and specialized applications. And the focus of many manufacturers has clearly shifted towards the megawatt segment. Solutions still exist for smaller applications such as research, education, decentralized energy supply, or neighborhood power plants, but the number of active suppliers is lower than in the megawatt range.
The widest range of standardized systems with clearly defined product lines can be found in the one to ten megawatt range. This power class is currently particularly relevant for industrial projects, municipal hydrogen strategies, H2 refueling station supply, and medium-sized power-to-X applications.
Quick orientation for specific project sizes
The market overview does not aim for detailed technical analysis, but rather offers a quick pre-selection of suitable suppliers. In practice, we typically receive inquiries such as...
- "We are planning a 2 MW project: Which suppliers are suitable?"
- "We need 20 MW of electrolysis power: Which systems are ready for mass production?"
- "Are there compact 250 kW systems for decentralized applications?"
Therefore, we have categorized the systems according to performance classes. This allows for an initial market assessment, but does not replace project-specific design.
Classification according to process engineering
We have retained the process-related classification. The overview includes, in particular:
- AEL (alkaline electrolysis)
- PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane)
- SOEC (High-Temperature Electrolysis)
While AEL and PEM are clearly established in industry, SOEC systems are still predominantly in demonstration or early market launch phases, even though some suppliers already offer MW modules.
Project business instead of product business
A striking trend in 2026 is the increasing individualization: Large manufacturers are increasingly acting as system integrators, many product pages describe platforms rather than specific types, and performance specifications are often modularly scaled, for example "5 MW modules, combinable up to 100 MW".
For project developers, this means: The market overview serves as a good starting point for selecting suppliers, but the specific technical configuration is almost always done individually and according to requirements in direct exchange with the manufacturer.
Conclusion
In summary, the electrolysis market in 2026 has become more international and project-driven. The focus is more strongly on megawatt and large-scale plants with modular system architecture.
Our market overview provides a structured initial orientation based on typical project sizes and consulting requests. It thus forms a good basis for initial exploration – however, it does not replace detailed technical planning and project-specific coordination with manufacturers.
Are you a manufacturer of electrolyzers and your devices are not listed in the tables? Please let us know (info@power-to-x.de)
Are you planning to install an electrolyzer? We would be happy to advise you on the planning, selection, and implementation of your system: Power-to-X – Electrolysis Consulting
Top photo
A consortium of Rheinmetall, DLR, and McPhy has developed precious metal-free electrodes for alkaline electrolysis, which are slated for pilot production in megawatt-scale designs. © McPhy
